Islay & Jura in Autumn

Typical Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive Glasgow

   We meet at our hotel in Glasgow and dine together before setting off for Islay the following morning.

   Accommodation: Premier Inn, 1-night

2. Day 2: Ferry to Islay

   From Glasgow we head to Kennacraig ferry terminal near Tarbert, where we take the early afternoon Caledonian MacBrayne ferry to Port Askaig on Islay (pronounced Eye-ler). 

   On disembarking at Port Askaig, we explore a few locations en route to our accommodation where we stay for the duration of our visit to the island. 

   We stop at Loch Finlaggan, which is the administrative centre of the Lordship of the Isles, but also home to an abundance of wildlife. The visitor centre is not open in winter, which means the site is quiet and perfect for birdwatching.

   Accommodation: Bridgend Hotel, 5-nights

3. Day 3: Explore the Oa

   Today we explore the south of Islay – mainly the peninsula known as the Oa. This RSPB reserve is a beautiful spot consisting of moorland, farmland and cliffs. After a short but steep walk to the top of the cliffs, we hope to see red-billed choughs ‘dancing’ around. Other species may include peregrine and both golden and white-tailed eagles, while reed bunting and other farmland birds can be seen flocking together to feed and roost. 

   We continue past Port Ellen to the 8th century Kildalton Cross, one of Scotland’s finest early Christian carved-stone crosses, stopping along the way to scan for wildlife – in particular, otters.

   On the drive back to the hotel, we keep our eyes peeled for short-eared owl and hen harrier as we pass through the peatlands that supply the whisky industry for which Islay is so well known.

4. Day 4: Drive to Loch Gruinart & Gruinart Flats

   Today we head north to Loch Gruinart and Gruinart Flats for the day. Managed by the RSPB, the wildlife and flora in this area is thriving. At this time of year we can see tens of thousands of migrant geese, wintering thrushes and waterfowl, with eagles and other birds of prey taking full advantage. 

   If lucky, we may hear the end of the red deer rut, as the stags compete for the attentions of does. We may also see more red-billed choughs and hundreds of waders gathering on the estuary.

   We also pay a short visit to Islay Woollen Mill, which has produced high-quality woven fabrics since 1983 (the mill was founded 100 years earlier), including some for Hollywood films such as Braveheart, Rob Roy and The BFG. 

   As the evening draws in, we make our way back to the warmth of our hotel, watching for short-eared owl and hen harrier along the way.

5. Day 5: Day excursion to Jura

   Today we take a morning ferry from Port Askaig across to Feolin on neighbouring Jura, which is dominated by ‘The Paps’ – three steep-sided mountains – and a large population of red deer. 

   We spend the day driving up Islay’s east coast, where the rocky coastline creates perfect conditions for numerous otters that live along the shore. Inland is blanket bog and mountains where we look for eagles, harriers and the many red deer that inhabit the island.

   Some short walks allow us to take in the breathtaking views, explore various archaeological sites, and scan for cetaceans and seabirds. As the light starts to fade, we cross back to Islay.

6. Day 6: The Rhinns & the west

   Our final day takes us to the area known as The Rhinns on the west of the island. We circumnavigate this peninsula, taking in places such as Saligo and Machir Bay for waders, choughs and some specialist sand dune flora, then continue to Portnahaven, scanning for eagles as we go.

   After a coastal walk at Port Wemyss, we continue along Loch Indaal to scan for divers, waterfowl and seals.

   There may even be an opportunity to stop at a distillery that has now diversified and produces gin as well as single malt whisky.

7. Day 7: Return to Glasgow

   Today we catch the afternoon ferry from Port Ellen back to the mainland, which gives us a final few hours to enjoy the wildlife. 

   From Kennacraig we drive back to Glasgow to be dropped off at either Glasgow Airport or Central Station.